CIS Security Accreditation Specialist – NATO Support

HUBZone HQ; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense contract firm in Norfolk, VA, is looking for a CIS Security Accreditation Specialist to support NATO’s Allied Command Transformation. The role requires managing system accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with security regulations, and extensive experience in CIS security. Candidates must hold an active NATO security clearance and have relevant education and certifications, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools. This full-time position is essential for maintaining NATO's security standards.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in CIS security, CIS development, or service delivery.
• Active NATO or National SECRET security clearance required.
• Strong communication skills for presenting complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Maintain records of CIS progress through NATO accreditation.
• Review and assess security accreditation documentation.
• Represent ACT SAA at NATO Enterprise meetings.

Skills

CIS Security Management

Risk Assessment

Technical Support

Documentation Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Professional certification in cybersecurity

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Teams, SharePoint)

Job description

CIS Security Accreditation Specialist – NATO Support

Location: HQ SACT, Norfolk, VA
Position Type: Full‑time, Onsite
Clearance Requirement: Active NATO or National SECRET (or higher) security clearance

Ironclad Defense Works (IDW) is seeking skilled professionals to join NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) as CIS Security Accreditation Specialists, supporting the ACT Security Accreditation Authority (SAA) within the Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Security Section. Due to the increasing number of NATO CIS systems requiring accreditation, this position plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with NATO’s security regulations and policies. The selected candidates will help manage and resolve the current backlog of systems awaiting accreditation, reducing risk across the NATO Enterprise and contributing directly to the protection of classified and mission‑critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the ACT Security Accreditation Authority by maintaining detailed records of CIS progress through the NATO accreditation process.
• Review and assess security accreditation documentation including CIS Descriptions, Risk Assessments, Security Operating Procedures, and Security Test & Validation results.
• Make recommendations for approval or revision of system accreditation documentation in line with NATO standards and policies (AC/35-D/1021-REV3, HQ SACT DIR 70‑6, AOS TT‑0660).
• Verify that appropriate security measures and controls have been implemented across systems.
• Provide technical support and guidance to CIS developers and service providers (including international partners in Europe).
• Contribute to updates of security risk statements for ACT‑managed CIS and ensure risk tracking is current and accurate.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders involved in the NATO security accreditation process.
• Represent the ACT SAA at NATO Enterprise meetings, both virtually and in person.
• Ensure accreditation processes adhere to established security frameworks, ensuring timely progress and accurate documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (3–4 years) or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Network Security, Cybersecurity, or a closely related field.
• Professional certification in a recognized CIS or cybersecurity discipline, such as CISSP, GIAC Security Expert (GSE), ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or equivalent COMPTIA certification.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in CIS security, CIS development, or CIS service delivery.
• At least 3 years of experience working in or supporting CIS security accreditation, certification, or risk management within national, international, or multinational organizations.
• Demonstrated English proficiency (STANAG 6001 – SLP 3333 or equivalent).
• Active NATO or National SECRET (or higher) clearance issued by a NATO member nation.
• Valid NATO nation passport with no travel restrictions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, Teams, SharePoint).
• Strong communication, writing, and documentation skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.

Desired Skills

• Experience supporting NATO or defense‑related CIS accreditation programs or equivalent security governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with NATO CIS Security Guidelines (AC/35-D/1021-REV3) and HQ SACT DIR 70‑6 accreditation procedures.
• Experience providing risk analysis, vulnerability assessments, or compliance evaluations for classified systems.
• Proven ability to collaborate across multinational technical and security teams.
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities to track multiple accreditation efforts simultaneously.
• Knowledge of NATO’s Information Assurance, Cyber Defence, or Accreditation Authority roles and workflows.
• Additional certifications in cyber defense, IT governance, or information assurance are advantageous.

Application Instructions

Apply directly through the posted job ad or send a cover letter and NATO‑formatted resume emphasizing CIS security accreditation experience and NATO or defense‑sector work to [e-mail].